2500kg towing for new Jeep Wrangler

Jeep has announced Australian pricing for its JL-series Wrangler which will go on sale from April this year.

Starting from $48,950 (plus on-road costs), the all-new off-roader is almost $10,000 dearer than the outgoing entry to the Jeep Wrangler line-up, which currently starts at $38,990 (plus ORCs).

As was the case previously, both two and four-door body-styles will be available. But the good news is that the Wrangler will now offer decent towing capacity, with maximum  braked towing capacity for two-door versions raised to 1497kg, while four-door Wranglers will be able to tow a caravan or camper weighing as much as 2495kg.

That's an increase in towing capacity of 49 per cent on two-door models and 20 per cent on four-door versions respectively,

The Wrangler range now starts with the Sport S in place of the Sport, topped by Overland and Rubicon variants respectively.

Other highlights of the new Jeep Wrangler range include a claimed 13 per cent improvement in fuel consumption, and the availability of over 70 standard safety features – including autonomous emergency braking on higher-grade models.

In spite of the additions, the Wrangler still managed only a one-star safety rating when tested by EuroNCAP last month.

Off-road ability continues to be a strong point for Wrangler with Jeep’s Selec-Trac 4x4 System available across the board. Top-spec Rubicon models receive Jeep’s hard-core Rock-Trac 4x4 System.

Under the bonnet, the Wrangler continues to offer V6 petrol power courtesy of Jeep’s carryover 3.6-litre Pentastar unit (209kW/347Nm). Diesel power is supplied by Fiat’s 2.2-litre Multijet II engine (146kW/347Nm).

Both powerplants will be paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard and both include idle-stop technology.

Staying on the technology front we find new LED head and tail-lights available on Overland grades or higher, and a choice of 7.0 or 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment array replete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Finally, more than 130 MOPAR accessories are available for the all-new Wrangler. More details will be announced at the model’s local launch in the coming months.

"The all-new Wrangler may have evolved, but its core DNA remains unchanged, making this the most capable production SUV on the planet," said Jeep Australia’s head of brand, Guillaume Drelon.

"The Jeep Wrangler sets precedence by offering renewed levels of style, advanced technology and safety features while remaining true to its rich heritage.

"The new JL Wrangler range offers something for everyone; whether customers are looking for the fully-loaded, all-new Sport S, the refined yet rugged Overland model or the Rubicon variant for the ultimate off-roader," Drelon concluded.

All Wrangler models will come with Jeep's five-year warranty and the rugged off-road machine will be joined by a ute sibling, the Jeep Gladiator, in 2020.

There's even talk of a hardcore Ford Ranger Raptor 'Hercules' model in the works, as Jeep looks to diversify the all-new Wrangler line-up.

How much does the 2019 Jeep Wrangler cost?
>> Wrangler Sport S two-door petrol -- $48,950
>> Wrangler Sport S four-door petrol -- $53,450
>> Wrangler Overland two-door petrol -- $58,450
>> Wrangler Overland four-door petrol -- $62,950
>> Wrangler Rubicon four-door petrol -- $63,950
>> Wrangler Rubicon four-door turbo-diesel -- $68,950